Experts Flag Serious Gaps in Ruto's 250,000 Overseas Jobs Initiative

Ruto's ambitious plan to send 250,000 Kenyans overseas annually for employment aims to boost remittances and address youth unemployment.

However, this initiative has raised significant concerns among human rights advocates who fear the potential exploitation of Kenyan workers abroad. The history of Kenyan workers in Gulf countries has been marred by instances of abuse and even fatalities, particularly among domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Families have struggled to repatriate deceased relatives, often accusing the government of inadequate support. Despite these challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, remittances from the Kenyan diaspora in Gulf nations have continued to grow.

In 2021, Kenya ranked as the sixth-largest remittance-receiving country in Africa, with overseas residents sending home $4.1 billion. Edith Murogo, founder and CEO of the Centre for Domestic Training and Development in Nairobi, has voiced caution regarding the promises of overseas employment. She stresses the need for concrete actions to protect workers beyond political rhetoric. Murogo commends the Ruto administration for ratifying the International Labour Organisation treaties including the C189 Convention on Domestic Workers and the C190 Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace.

These ratifications represent important steps towards safeguarding Kenyan workers abroad. The Arabian Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are major destinations for African labour. However, Murogo warns that these countries can present hostile work environments for migrant workers. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan employees in these regions is of importance. Murogo's efforts in combating human trafficking have gained international recognition as she recently received an award at the 20th anniversary of the TIP Report Heroes program, presided over by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.